MAEd in Reading/Literacy
Maryville University, located in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, offers a Master of Arts in E...
Master Of Music Therapy
St. Louis, Missouri
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Maryville's MMT program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and fully approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). These accreditations are crucial for ensuring the program meets the highest professional standards and for enabling graduates to pursue national board certification (MT-BC), which is essential for practice. The program offers two tracks: a Traditional Master's degree for those with a bachelor's in music therapy and a Combined Master's Equivalency program for applicants with a degree in another area of music who need to complete undergraduate coursework for music therapy certification alongside their master's studies. Classes are typically held online in the evening, accommodating working professionals.
Curriculum: The MMT curriculum at Maryville University is designed to provide comprehensive, advanced clinical training. While specific course names may vary, the program's focus areas include advanced clinical music therapy techniques, psychotherapy models, ethical considerations in practice, and in-depth studies in human development and psychopathology. Students gain expertise in applying supportive science to the creative, emotional, and energizing experiences of music for health treatment and educational goals. The program emphasizes project-based learning and hands-on experience, preparing students for real-world application of music therapy principles.
Research Focus: Maryville University's MMT program incorporates a strong research focus, preparing students to be evidence-based practitioners and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in music therapy. The curriculum includes studies in research methodologies, enabling graduates to understand, evaluate, and potentially conduct research relevant to clinical music therapy practice. Faculty members, such as the Director of Music Therapy, are active in co-authoring research study abstracts and presenting at national and international conferences. Opportunities for students to engage in projects like the "Creative Music Making" program, which has led to research papers, demonstrate the program's commitment to integrating research into practical learning.
Industry Engagement: Maryville University's MMT program boasts significant industry engagement, particularly within the St. Louis region, a major medical center in the Midwest. The program is known for its strong professional partnerships with numerous corporate and civic organizations. A key example is the "Kids Rock Cancer" program, which provides hands-on learning for music therapy students working with children coping with cancer and other blood disorders through therapeutic songwriting. Another significant collaboration is the "Creative Music Making" annual event with the St. Louis ARC and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, offering students opportunities to work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These partnerships provide students with invaluable real-world experience, networking opportunities, and often lead to employment, contributing to Maryville's high career outcomes rate.
Global Perspective: Maryville University's MMT program inherently fosters a global perspective by preparing music therapists to work effectively within multicultural environments and with diverse populations. The foundational principles of music therapy, focused on human well-being, transcend cultural boundaries. While specific international study abroad options may not be explicitly highlighted for this program, the curriculum's emphasis on serving individuals with a wide range of mental, developmental, and physical disabilities from varied backgrounds prepares graduates for a practice that is globally relevant. Additionally, some faculty members have international research and teaching experience, and the program's active participation in discussions related to social justice within the field, as highlighted by faculty involvement in journals like Music Therapy Perspectives, further contributes to a broader understanding of the diverse contexts in which music therapy is practiced worldwide.
Location
St. Louis, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 13460
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 92 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 62 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
Maryville University in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to help make higher education more affordable and accessible. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds and talents of its global student community, Maryville provides merit-based and need-based scholarships that reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to Maryville University are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are renewable for multiple years provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarships: Maryville offers exclusive scholarships tailored for international students to encourage global diversity and inclusion. These scholarships support students from various countries and academic disciplines, promoting cultural exchange and enriching the university community.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within Maryville University provide scholarships targeted at students enrolled in specific programs such as business, nursing, education, and technology. International students pursuing degrees in these areas can apply for additional funding opportunities aligned with their fields of study.
A Master of Music Therapy (MMT) from Maryville University is a highly specialized and impactful degree that prepares graduates to become nationally board-certified music therapists. The program's accreditation by both NASM and AMTA ensures that graduates meet the highest professional standards, allowing them to provide therapeutic services to diverse populations using the power of music. With a strong emphasis on advanced clinical training, ethics, and research, Maryville's MMT graduates are well-equipped for a growing field with a positive job outlook.
Clinical Music Therapist (Hospitals & Medical Centers): This is a primary role where graduates work in interdisciplinary treatment teams to address the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs of patients. They provide music therapy for individuals with chronic illness, pain management, neurological disorders, or those undergoing rehabilitation.
Music Therapist in Mental Health Facilities: Graduates work in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient mental health clinics, and residential treatment centers. They facilitate individual and group music therapy sessions to help clients with various mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and schizophrenia.
Music Therapist in Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment Centers: These professionals utilize music interventions to support individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. They may lead group sessions focused on self-expression, emotional regulation, coping skills, and relapse prevention.
Music Therapist in Special Education/Schools: Graduates work with children and adolescents with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, or emotional challenges within school settings. They use music to enhance communication, social skills, academic learning, and emotional regulation.
Music Therapist in Geriatric Care/Nursing Homes: Focusing on the elderly population, music therapists in these settings address issues related to dementia, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and social isolation. They use music to stimulate memory, reduce agitation, promote social interaction, and improve overall well-being.
Music Therapist in Hospice and Palliative Care: Providing comfort and support to individuals facing end-of-life, music therapists use music to alleviate pain, reduce anxiety, facilitate emotional expression, and offer spiritual comfort to patients and their families.
Private Practice Music Therapist: After gaining experience and licensure, many music therapists establish their own private practice. This allows them to specialize in specific populations or conditions (e.g., trauma-informed music therapy, pediatric music therapy) and offer more flexible service delivery.
Music Therapy Supervisor/Clinical Director: Experienced MMT graduates can advance into supervisory or administrative roles, overseeing other music therapists, managing a department, or developing and directing music therapy programs within larger healthcare or educational institutions.
Researcher in Music Therapy: With a strong research foundation, graduates can contribute to the evidence base of music therapy. They may work in academic institutions, research centers, or as independent researchers, conducting studies on the efficacy of music therapy interventions and contributing to scholarly publications.
University Lecturer/Educator in Music Therapy: Graduates with a Master's degree and significant clinical experience may pursue teaching positions at universities or colleges, training the next generation of music therapists. This often involves supervising student practicums and internships.
